People often undergo plastic surgery to boost their self-esteem and improve their physical appearance. Plastic surgery can also repair aging features, genetic abnormalities, and or even injuries sustained from an accident, for example hair transplant for burn victims. Although most people gain positive changes after a surgical procedure physically and psychologically, some people experience some negative losses. A failed procedure could lead to disfigurement, poor body image or health complications which could lead to feelings of shame and embarrassment. The fault of ineffective procedures can be the healthcare facility where the procedure took place or the attending surgeon. A patient could sue for medical malpractice to regain a sense of “wholeness.”
3 Examples of Common Cosmetic Surgical Medical Malpractice
- Failing to Warn of Potential Scarring and Risk
- Performing Plastic Surgery Without Reasonable Care or Adequate Skill
- Insufficient Aftercare
In the case of negligence, liability can be assigned to a surgeon and their team. The can be forced to pay the patient compensation for some or all of the following damages:
- Medications to appease physical pain and/or aid in healing.
- Additional surgical procedures to fix the issues of the first procedure.
- Physical therapy to recover from surgery.
- Lost wages.
- Therapy for psychological, mental or emotional pain.
Legal Recourse
- Discuss your case with a medical negligence lawyer.
A medical malpractice or personal injury lawyer will assist you in collecting evidence and data to prove your case. If it proceeds to the court, your lawyer will represent you and fight for your rights.
- Have your lawyer assess how your surgery has harmed you.
Harm or adverse results include all negative emotional, social and psychological experiences impacting you after undergoing surgery. Obtain records from your doctor, hospital visits, psychologist and counselor that could be beneficial in proving your suffering. Most likely, this will provide a strong case for compensation for your damages.
- If you speak with the surgeon or any members of the medical staff, inform your lawyer.
Your lawyer should be informed so that they can determine if potential surgery risks were fully disclosed. Also bring any marketing materials (i.e. pamphlets, informational sheets) that may have convinced you to choose surgery, because those may suggest persuasion.
- Gather any additional evidence to strengthen your case.
Find all the information possible to strengthen your case. You may be an example for others who have gone through the same situation and your case may help advocate for those facing similar injustice! Plus, the documentation only further validates the the pain you have experienced at the hand of an ineffective surgery.
Consider a Professional to Handle Your Case
It is also so important to hold doctors that act negligently accountable for their patients’ safety. When surgery goes awry, patient can become damaged financially, physically and emotionally. The financial demands may create further issues for a victim of botched surgery including financial devastation due to costly surgical repairs. A skilled attorney can help you achieve adequate compensation for the damages sustained by your botched surgery. Contact a lawyer you can trust to advocate for your plastic surgery case and help you secure a settlement or award.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from Dr. Robin Unger for their insight into what good medical practice looks like, and what may lead others to a malpractice situation.